Facts & Stats

People who begin drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who wait until age 21. Each additional year of delayed drinking onset reduces the probability of alcohol dependence by 14 percent.

Respiratory effects can range from increased risk of pneumonia to asthma or acute respiratory distress.

Long term use – People who use alcohol regularly over several months can become physically dependent on it. Upon abruptly stopping, withdrawal will start within 4 to 12 hours. The symptoms will vary considerably from person to person. Sometimes the person will be asymptomatic. Withdrawal can last from 3 to 10 days. If severe withdrawal occurs and goes untreated, death can result.

Gastro-intestinal effects include gastritis, ulcers, bleeding, malabsorption of food and nutrients such as vitamins, diarrhea or constipation, and esophageal varices.

The immune system has an impaired response and alcohol use has been associated with neoplasms in the upper digestive and respiratory tracts, liver, and with possible increases in breast and large bowel cancers.